Headteachers Welcome

I am both honoured and proud to be the Head of this wonderful school. The staff and children are proud of all of our achievements whether academic, sporting or musical. However it is the warm, happy atmosphere which leaves a lasting impression. St Joseph's is a successful school, with an excellent reputation, because we recognise that happiness and learning go hand in hand.

It is our aim that every child enjoys their individual learning journey, supported by our culture of nurture and care, enabling them to be successful. We relish and embrace the opportunities and challenges of the modern world whilst fostering traditional attitudes of courtesy, thoughtfulness and responsibility.

St Joseph's is a flourishing school and one which we are all very proud to be a part of. Please come and visit us and find out what makes us special.

Jocelyn Baker
Headteacher

Mission & Ethos

All that happens in St Joseph’s Primary School is formed by our faith. Our aims and relationships, our curriculum, pastoral care and discipline all have the potential to speak of God’s loving care for each individual.

The children’s spiritual development is seen as fundamental and is the foundation of our school. Religious Education is not just a subject but part of everyday life. The assemblies and school Masses are important occasions where the children learn the necessity and wonder of the worship of God and they prepare for these occasions with enthusiasm. Children throughout school also experience religious retreats, including a 2 day residential retreat in the upper school.

We have an excellent Chaplaincy team who lead other children in exploring their faith more deeply, and take responsibility for many whole school events.

The Parish helps our children to prepare fully for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Each Sacrament is seen as important in its own right and Baptised Catholic children are prepared over two years. Generally, in Year 3 the children receive instruction to prepare them to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). In Year 4 preparation is given to enable them to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).

We try to make it a living faith for the children, as we live and share our belief in a variety of ways. “Each of us hears, celebrates and lives our Catholic faith in the experiences of our daily lives, not in a vacuum.”